At last, the largest software provider in the world, Microsoft, has joined together with the foremost provider of migration solutions, Quest (now a part of Dell), to produce the definitive guide to migrating to Office 365.  They call it...

Office 365 Migration for Dummies

Anyone familiar with the “for Dummies” series of books knows they are excellent “how-to” guides that present often complex operations in very simple and clear terms. Office 365 Migration for Dummies is no exception. This is a Microsoft and Quest Software Special Edition, which means it benefits from the experience and expertise of both leaders.

For the complete novice, it provide an introduction to the benefits and cloud computing and how to administer Office 365 to take best advantage of those benefits.

Demonstrating adherence to best practices the book then launches into how to properly prepare for the migration, including information on options for the Exchange Mailbox, including a remarkably clear explanation of the difference between simple and rich coexistence, and how to configure a hybrid environment.

The book, which is only 51 pages long, then discusses how existing on-premises environments can coexist very nicely with new online environments, and how users can best take advantage of the features of both to increase productivity.

As the advertisers would say, “but wait, there’s more!”

Office 365 Migration for Dummies goes beyond its title to discuss how easy it can be to manage the new environment. It begins by “Demystifying the MOP,” which is the Microsoft Online Portal that is used to manage this entire solution. It gets very specific about where each group of commands is located on the screen and what they all do.

Finally on page 39, very deeply into the book, we find information about how Quest can help and support those making the transition.  As a sample they offer up “Ten Must-Dos for Successful Migration.” 

Even if they’re not involved with the actual migration from a completely on-premise solution to one that includes Office 365, this book is a great, quick read for your users to help them better understand why this new online world will be a far better place to work and play.